Common package-type codes
UN/CEFACT Recommendation 21 provides coded representations of package names for manual and automated international-trade information exchange. The searchable shortlist below covers common operational terms; consult the current official list for full coverage.
| Code | Package type | Plain-language use |
|---|---|---|
| AE | Aerosol | Pressurized retail or industrial aerosol |
| AM | Ampoule, non-protected | Small sealed glass container without protective outer packing |
| AP | Ampoule, protected | Ampoule supplied with protective packaging |
| BA | Barrel | Cylindrical shipping container, often wood or metal |
| BG | Bag | Generic flexible bag or sack |
| BK | Basket | Open or woven basket-type package |
| BL | Bale, compressed | Compressed material secured as a bale |
| BN | Bale, non-compressed | Material bundled as an uncompressed bale |
| BR | Bar | Single bar-shaped unit |
| BX | Box | Generic rigid box |
| CA | Can, rectangular | Rectangular metal can or tin |
| CG | Cage | Open framed enclosure |
| CJ | Coffin | Coffin as a handling package |
| CO | Carboy, non-protected | Large rigid bottle without protective outer frame |
| CQ | Cartridge | Cartridge-type package |
| CS | Case | Rigid case or shipping case |
| CT | Carton | Fibreboard or paperboard carton |
| CX | Can, cylindrical | Cylindrical can or tin |
| CY | Cylinder | Cylinder-shaped pressure or product package |
| DR | Drum | Generic cylindrical drum |
| EN | Envelope | Flat flexible document or small-goods package |
| JR | Jar | Rigid jar with a wide opening |
| JY | Jerrican, cylindrical | Cylindrical handled liquid container |
| NE | Unpacked or unpackaged | Single item not packed in an outer package |
| PA | Packet | Small wrapped package or packet |
| PC | Parcel | Generic parcel |
| PK | Package | Generic package when a more specific type is not used |
| PL | Pail | Handled bucket or pail |
| PX | Pallet | Goods unitized on a pallet |
| RL | Reel | Cable, wire or similar product wound on a reel |
| RO | Roll | Material formed into a roll |
| SA | Sack | Flexible sack |
| SK | Skeleton case | Open-frame protective shipping case |
| TU | Tube | Tube-shaped package |
| TY | Tank, cylindrical | Cylindrical tank used as a package type |
| VO | Bulk, solid, large particles | Loose bulk consisting of large solid particles |
| VQ | Bulk, liquefied gas | Liquefied gas transported in bulk |
| VR | Bulk, solid, granular particles | Loose granular bulk solids |
| VY | Bulk, liquid | Liquid transported in bulk |
No matching entries. Try a broader term or code.
The package code should describe the unit counted in the package quantity field. A shipment of cartons on pallets may need different reporting at transport, customs, or line-item level.
Documentation checks
- Match package count and type across invoice, packing list, declaration and transport document.
- Choose the physical shipping unit required by the receiving system.
- Do not substitute a package code for dangerous-goods packaging approval.
- Describe unpackaged, bulk liquid, bulk gas and bulk solid cargo accurately.
- Use the current official code list when an EDI validation rejects a code.
- Keep marks and numbers traceable to the package units shown on the documents.
Frequently asked questions
Are package codes the same as dangerous-goods packaging codes?
No. This page highlights UN/CEFACT package-type descriptions used in trade data. Dangerous-goods packaging marks and specifications follow separate modal regulations and must not be inferred from these abbreviations.
Should I use a generic or specific package code?
Use the most accurate code accepted by the receiving customs, carrier, or EDI system. Match the code to the physical shipping unit shown on the transport and customs documents.
Standards and authoritative sources
Use these primary sources when a booking, customs entry, safety rule, or equipment certificate requires authoritative confirmation.
Need the right equipment for a live shipment?
Share the cargo dimensions, weight, origin, destination, and handling needs. Our team will verify availability and operating limits.
Reference reviewed 31 August 2026. General planning guidance only; booking specifications, regulations, and tariff classifications take precedence.